For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 1,508 students in Palo Alto County, IA (there are 1 private school, serving 111 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Palo Alto County, IA are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
The top ranked public schools in Palo Alto County, IA are West Bend-mallard Elementary School, West Elementary School and Emmetsburg Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palo Alto County, IA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Iowa public school average of 64%), and reading proficiency score of 74% (versus the 70% statewide average). Schools in Palo Alto County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Iowa public schools.
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public school average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Palo Alto County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
West Bend-mallard Elementary School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
300 3rd Ave Sw
Mallard, IA 50562
(515) 887-7821
Mallard, IA 50562
(515) 887-7821
Grades: PK-4
| 184 students
Rank: #22.
West Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
602 Call St
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-4485
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-4485
Grades: PK-4
| 285 students
Rank: #33.
Emmetsburg Middle School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
205 King Street
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2892
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2892
Grades: 5-8
| 225 students
Rank: #44.
West Bend-mallard Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
300 3rd Ave. Sw
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
Grades: 5-8
| 107 students
Rank: #55.
Emmetsburg High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
205 King St
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2966
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
(712) 852-2966
Grades: 9-12
| 240 students
Rank: #66.
Graettinger-terril High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
205 S Lincoln Ave
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Grades: 9-12
| 118 students
Rank: #77.
West Bend-mallard High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
300 3rd Ave Sw
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7831
Grades: 9-12
| 123 students
Rank: #88.
Ruthven-ayrshire High School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1505 Washington St
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5212
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5212
Grades: 7-12
| 70 students
Rank: #99.
Graettinger-terril Middle School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
205 S Lincoln Ave
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Grades: 6-8
| 68 students
Rank: #1010.
Ruthven-ayrshire Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1505 Washington St
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5211
Ruthven, IA 51358
(712) 837-5211
Grades: PK-6
| 88 students
Palo Alto County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Po Box 58
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Graettinger, IA 51342
(712) 859-3286
Grades: 6-8
| 54 students
300 3rd Ave Sw
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7821
West Bend, IA 50597
(515) 887-7821
Grades: PK-2
| 73 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Palo Alto County, IA?
The top ranked public schools in Palo Alto County, IA include West Bend-mallard Elementary School, West Elementary School and Emmetsburg Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Palo Alto County?
10 public schools are located in Palo Alto County.
What percentage of students in Palo Alto County go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Palo Alto County are educated in public schools (compared to the IA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Palo Alto County?
Palo Alto County public schools minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Iowa public schools average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
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